OSS
Rune peom translated by Tony
Linsell, Academic introduction by Thorskegga, interpretations by Ferret, Savrin
and Olwen, artwork by Jim Kirkwood.
Latin Symbol: O.
A god is the origin of all speech.
Wisdom's prop and wise men's comfort,
and for every man a blessing and a joy.
(xiv)
Summary: Communication. Wisdom.
Dark Age society passed on information orally with very few exceptions, such
as carved or embroidered wall murals depicting myths and legends. Therefore
speach, and the ability to speak well was the embodiment of wisdom. Many forms
of entertainment from the period rellied on the oral skills, singing,
storytelling poetry and riddle telling.
The name of this rune Oss means god, and survives in the English names Oscar
and Oswald, and is the equivelent of the Norse 'As'. The god of this peom is
generally considered to be Woden, due to his role in the Norse myth of the
creation of mankind, although the title 'oss' may be deliberate vague to cater
for local variations in beleif.
Gods: Odin, Braggi, Kvasir.
Animals: Eagle (in Norse myth Odin obtains the mead of inspiration in an
eagle's form), Horse (Odin is linked with horses and Yggdrasil mean's 'Odin's
Horse' which links in another wisdom myth.
Plants: Ash, Yew, Elm (both Ash and Yew are associated with Yggdrasil,
Ash & Elm were the names of the first humans to who Odin gave the gift of
speech (Snorri's Edda)).
| Ferret Loki's Friend
Communication, now who do we know with the gift
of the gab. Loki has a real talent in this area, ha can talk himself into and
out of anything. Why else would his mouth have been sewn shut?
|
| Savrin
Loki's Friend
This is a rune I use to indicate the ability
to pass on wisdom. It also has a lot to do with being persuasive and cunning
with words.
|
 Olwen Thor's Friend
Oss applied to Thor: So how does Thor fit
into the wisdom myths? Odin wins the gift of poetry by draining three vats of
magic mead. Thor goes on a quest to fetch a magic brewing kettle from the giant
Hymir. Cauldron fetching myths are very common and the cauldron generally has
some deep magical significance, so could these be different versions of the same
myth? Is it no co-incidence that Thor's shamanic form is also the eagle?
Mother Earth gave us cheerful voices, so sing
loud, make merry and bring joy to your friends.
Art by Jim Kirkwood |
The next rune Rad
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